Chengyu Dictionary

Author: Bao Keyi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features:
1. Subject Index. This book includes over 3,700 entries, primarily focusing on commonly used idioms that require explanation by students, along with a small number of frequently used colloquial phrases. It also covers some less common but still encountered idioms by students. In terms of structure, it is divided into main entries and supplementary entries. Main entries represent the basic form of idioms, while supplementary entries are alternative forms of the main idioms.
2. Typography. The font used in this book is based on the "Total List of Simplified Chinese Characters" compiled by the National Language Work Committee and the "List for Standardizing Variant Characters" jointly issued by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China and the Committee of Language Reform.
3. Phonetic Transcription. Entries are transcribed using Pinyin. Obscure characters in the explanations are also transcribed. Single-character Mandarin pronunciations are used consistently, without indicating continuous variations in tone or pitch.
4. Definitions. First, the characters and words are explained, followed by the literal or original meaning of the idiom, and then the extended, metaphorical, or other meanings. Sometimes, the usage scope, emotional tone, and other forms of the idiom are also provided as supplementary notes. If the idiom is based on a legend, the story is briefly narrated in plain language first.
5. Example Sentences. Each entry is accompanied by example sentences to illustrate the meaning and usage of the idiom. The entry term in the example sentence is replaced with "~."
6. Arrangement. Entries are arranged in alphabetical order based on Pinyin. For entries with the same initial sound and tone, they are ordered by the number of strokes and the starting stroke shape of the initial character. For entries with the same initial sound, they are arranged by the number of strokes and the starting stroke shape of the initial character. For entries with the same character and sound, they are arranged by the Pinyin of the second and third characters.
7. Index. An "Index of Initial Characters" is provided before the main text, and an "Index of Stroke Count" is appended after the main text for easy reference.